Pumpkin Weekends beginning at Blackberry Farm

The Pumpkin Train is a highlight at Blackberry Farm during Pumpkin Weekends, which begin Saturday, Oct. 5, and run every weekend (and Columbus Day) through October.Courtesy Fox Valley Park District

By Jeff LongFox Valley Park District

Pumpkin Weekends begin Saturday at Blackberry Farm in Aurora as the Fox Valley Park District facility celebrates the fall season throughout October.

Each weekend and on Columbus Day, Blackberry Farm will be festively decorated in the spirit of pumpkin season. A picnic area will feature an assortment of pumpkins for purchase and a decorating station with painting supplies will be provided.

Carousel rides, hay wagon rides and tours on the Pumpkin Train also are part of each weekend's festivities. Park hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily (9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Columbus Day). Admission is $5.

An added attraction is the new Adventure Playground, a uniquely innovative play area featuring climbing decks, slides, ropes and catwalk-style bridges connecting an array of playhouses on multiple levels.

"We used to do a fall festival in October each year, and it was so popular that we decided to expand it to every weekend," said Sandy Smith, facility supervisor at Blackberry Farm. "Pumpkin Weekends are now an annual favorite event for young families."

A magic show will be featured Oct. 13, with the Trick-or-Treat Walk and Costume Contest to be held from noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 20.

"This is such a fun time of year," Smith said, "so we want to make the season last just a little longer."